WORK OF WOMEN’S DIVISION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19512, 10 June 1933, Page 16

WORK OF WOMEN’S DIVISION

HISTORY IN SOUTH CANTERBURY. MUCH GOOD ACHIEVED. A brief account of the foundation and growth of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union in South Canterbury has been made available by the president (Mrs. B. E. Evans). Just over three and a-half years ago, the Dominion President (Mrs. Jackson), addressed a Timaru meeting of farmers and their wives, on the work of the W. D. F. U. To the big majority present this was all news, and a feeling of deep interest was taken in this unselfish work. Mrs. Jackson expressed a wish that a branch be formed in Timaru, but this was no easy task. Many wanted it, but no one felt capable of shouldering the responsibilities of this new strange work. However a branch was formed with twelve members, Mrs. Percy Talbot being elected president. “How well I remember our first meetings,” writes Mrs. Evans. “We seemed like people groping in the dark with no one to turn to for guidance. Mrs. Smith. Dominion secretary, afterwards proved to be a wonderful help After a few months we found our feet, and set to work with great enthusiasm to make our branch strong and powerful.” Temuka, Geraldine and Ovari Bridge were afterwards formed. Then followed Waimate, Albury, Pleasant Point, Clandeboye and Fairlie. All of the latest annual report’ showed much enthusiasm in the work. The aggregate memberships was now in the vicinity of 600. Because they were the

wives of farmers, their first duty was I loyalty to their Union. It was only t by the close co-operation of the farmer | and his wife, that they could become a strong united body. Their next duty was to help the women and children on the land. With their wonderful house-keeping scheme this was aptly illustrated. No country woman need feel that she had to face the difficulties of life alone,when she belonged to the W.D.F.U. From a social point of view the organisation was playing a big part. The monotony of the work of busy house-wife, and mother was being broken down, and new fields of interest and pleasure were being opened up through contact with one’s fellows. The market opened just over a year ago had proved a boon, and some £6OO had passed through the cashier's hands into the pockets of the farmer’s wife. It was inspiring to see how unselfishly the town members now worked to help their country sisters in adversity. Although they had accomplished much, and brought greater happiness into their farm homes, their work was only on the threshold. They were not world wide, nor did they wish to be. They were proud to be connected with, and a complement of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union. With the earnest co-operation of all members of all branches they would strive to achieve the greatest good, for the greatest numbers; “Let every member go out as a crusader, and bring every farm • woman into the fold of the Women's [ Division of the Farmers’ Union,” concluded Mrs. Evans.